Over the weekend, two Catholic churches, one in Florida and one in California, were damaged by fire. Police say they are looking into whether the incidents are connected to the recent protests over statues and monuments.
In Florida, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says Steven, 24, drove a vehicle into the Queen of Peace Catholic Church as morning Mass was about to begin on Saturday. Deputies say he then poured gasoline in the foyer and set it on fire before driving away. Steven was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson and other counts. Charges are allegations, and he has not been convicted.
On the same day, a fire broke out at the Mission San Gabriel church in California, a nearly 250 year old Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. According to Fox News, the building was being renovated ahead of its 250th anniversary when the fire started around 4 a.m. The cause is still under investigation. San Gabriel Fire Department Captain Antonio Negrete told Fox 11 the loss was a tragic one for the city.
Some people online have wondered whether the fires are linked to recent protests, which followed the death of George Floyd and included calls to remove statues of Confederate leaders, former presidents and other figures. Police have not announced a link between the California fire and the protests.
Others online questioned why the fires were not getting more coverage from national media. Author Mike Cernovich and worship leader Sean Feucht were among those who posted about it, with Feucht asking where the outrage was.
Baller Alert will keep you posted as investigators share more.
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